BPDA Law School Fellowship Program
About the Law School Committee
The BPDA Law School Committee is dedicated to training and supporting law students passionate about pursuing careers in public defense to serve their communities. The Committee collaborates with public defender organizations, law school career services, clinical programs, and student groups. Through panel discussions, networking events, and outreach initiatives, the Committee introduces law students to public defense as a rewarding and impactful career path while fostering connections between aspiring defenders and public defender organizations.
About the BPDA Law School Fellowship Program
The BPDA Law School Summer Fellowship offers law students an invaluable opportunity to explore a career in public defense. At BPDA, we emphasize the significance of holistic defense, equipping fellows with the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact. The program includes an intensive week-long trial advocacy training to prepare participants for their roles, along with lifelong mentorship to support their professional journey.
Designed to inspire a commitment to public defense, this fellowship aims to prepare students for impactful careers in the field. The program welcomes individuals passionate about defending the rights of indigent clients. If this mission resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.
Each Fellow receives mentorship, intensive skills training, and financial support that enables them to successfully complete a paid summer internship at a public defender office and be well positioned for post-graduate employment. Each fellowship host site provides their students with a stipend up to $5,000.
A housing stipend may be available based on demonstrated need. Please note that funds are limited and will be distributed accordingly.
Student applications are due on Friday, October 31, 2025
Register for the Fellowship Mini-Series!
Public Defenders: Who We Are, What We Do (October 8) https://bpda.blackdefender.org/WhoWeAre
Been There, Done That: The Fellow Experience (October 15) https://bpda.blackdefender.org/BeenThere
Meet Your Host Sites (October 22) https://bpda.blackdefender.org/MeetYourHosts
The 2026 host sites include:
- Brooklyn Defender Services (NY)
- Colorado Office of the State Defender (CO)
- Committee for Public Counsel Services (Boston, MA)
- Contra Costa Public Defenders (Martinez, CA)
- Cuyahoga County Office of the Public Defender (Cleveland, OH)
- Defender Association of Philadelphia (PA)
- Hamilton County Public Defender (Cincinnati, OH)
- Los Angeles County Public Defenders (CA)
- Michigan State Appellate Defender Office (Detroit, MI)
- Minnesota Board of Public Defense
- Orleans Public Defenders (New Orleans, LA)
- The Legal Aid Society (New York, NY)
- Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (Richmond, VA)
- Washington State Office of the Public Defender (WA)
